Iranian Christians request prayer for Pastor Victor Bet Tamraz, Amin Afshar Naderi and Hadi Asgari, Middle East Concern reports. On the morning of Sunday, June 11, 2017, there was a second hearing in the case against these three Christian men in Tehran, Iran.
Middle East Concern says that the three Christians attended an earlier court hearing on May 21, 2017, in Tehran.
Arrests
Pastor Victor and Amin were arrested on December 26, 2014 at a Christmas celebration at Pastor Victor’s home, together with a number of other Christians.
Pastor Victor has been verbally charged with “conducting evangelism,” “illegal house church activities” and “Bible printing and distribution,” among other charges. He was released on bail on March 1, 2015, Middle East Concern says.
Amin has been charged with “acting against national security” and “insulting the sacred” (blasphemy).
Hadi was not present at the Christmas celebration in 2014 at Pastor Victor’s home, but was charged with “acting against national security” and “organizing and creating house churches” after he was arrested in August 2016 at a picnic in Firuzkuh.
Pastor Victor, Amin and Hadi were requested to attend the hearing on June 11 and did so. However, they were not permitted to defend themselves verbally and were asked to write down statements in their defense and submit these written statements to the judge.
The judge is due to give a verdict within ten days, Middle East Concern said on June 13.
Iranian Christians request prayer:
• That the judge will reject the charges against Pastor Victor, Amin and Hadi, and that he will acquit them all.
• That Amin and Hadi will be released from prison soon c. that bail money will be returned.
• That those responsible for the persecution of Christians in Iran will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.
Middle East Concern
Middle East Concern is a Christian organization that supports Christians in the Middle East and North Africa who are marginalized, discriminated against or persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ. It was founded in 1991 in response to needs expressed by Christian leaders in the Middle East and North Africa region.
On its website, Middle East Concern cites the following passage from Hebrews 13:3:
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
source: churchcentral
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